Play on words

Original words came into play (for some) in the form of country music on Sunday, as Mr. Willy’s (what—no website? Find ‘em on Facebook!) hosted the kickoff of the “Brad Paisley Virtual Reality Food Drive” benefiting the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless. The event, sponsored by Thunder 102.1 FM, (www.thunder102.com) and spearheaded by Paisley, featured contestants vying for a top spot in the Texaco Country Showdown, “the nations largest and longest-running talent competition” (www.countryshowdown.com ).

Paty, who serves as the V.P. of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, was moved to tears and thrilled that her daughter, Lila Claire, was in the house, cheering her on. The evening was capped by a performance from duo Acklen Park (mobbed for autographs after the show) and 2011 Thunder 102 Texaco Country Showdown winner Jason Casterlin, whose career is clearly on the rise. Food pantry drop-off points are scattered throughout the county and more information on this worthy endeavor can be found by calling the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless at 845/794-2604. Once again, the generosity of spirit in the Upper Delaware Valley leaves me at (gasp!) a loss for words. Let’s all cowboy up and participate!

Jonathan Fox currently lives in Sullivan County. Having written for film and television, he now concentrates his efforts on novels, plays and assorted periodicals, along with his weekly "Humble Opinion" on life in the Catskills.